New regulations for disabled parking permits come into effect today.
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has described the changes as the most significant and positive shake-up of the disabled parking scheme since it started 12 years ago.
There will be new medical guidelines on who qualifies for a disabled permit, as well as clearer guidance to doctors on who should get a permit.
The permit that holders put in their windscreen will change soon too.
A new credit-card style permit, which is designed to be harder to copy or forge, will be issued.
Existing permit holders will get the new card when they renew.
Some disabled parking spaces will be made wider to make sure they are suitable for wheelchair users.
Local authorities will get new powers to put time restrictions on disable parking spaces.
There will also be designated set-down and pick-up spaces for drivers carrying disabled passengers.
